Page 3 - Does Your MP Know You?

What if I’m not happy with his/her reply?
If you’re not happy with your MPs reply, follow up and explain why. Remember to be polite and courteous, but if you are still not satisfied, then you may want to ask to discuss in person.
The pro-Palestinian lobby is huge, does writing make a difference?
Several years ago the postbags of
MPs were loaded with anti-Israel correspondence. Correspondence
from pro-Israel supporters was thin in comparison. But things started to change when groups like CUFI began mobilising grassroot supporters to increase correspondence to MPs. Whilst the content of letters is important, when it comes to forming policy, MPs also look at the volume of public opinion, especially in matters that they are personally nominal. The size of the response is important. That said, the pro-Palestinian lobby is traditionally very large and has a tendency to take a different, and not always edifying, approach. If you observe street demos, for example, pro-Palestinian activists can be in their hundreds if not thousands, but bear in mind they also draw from many other far-left activist groups and some Islamic groups. Even though pro-Israel activism is smaller and more restrained, when MPs see such
What advice do you have to break through the standard policy replies?
It is quite common for MPs to copy and paste a standard wording that reflects their party’s policy line. This can sometimes be frustrating, but don’t be discouraged. Every email you send challenges their viewpoint. In replying to their response, there are a number of things you can do to try and cut through the standard political jargon.
Firstly, don’t use political jargon in your reply. Use layman’s terms. Secondly, think about real-life, latest examples that you can give to illustrate your point. Use phrases like,
“Do you agree with...”, “What did you think about...”. “How can we prevent....”, “What can the government do to stop...” so that MPs are forced to give a personal response to a specific matter rather than a party
one. Don’t overload with lots of issues and especially don’t throw in a contentious issue that gives them a platform to reinforce their original statement. You want to try and lead them to agree with your side by giving them access to see things from your perspective. Bear in mind that they might not understand the full picture like you and might not have researched it fully. Keep it targeted. Aim for an issue or two where common-sense points them towards standing with Israel. If you want to be really tactical, consider what their opposition’s position is, especially near election time. And, of course, pray for a breakthrough.
a large increase from constituents in support of Israel it gets noticed.
WWW.CUFI.ORG.UK